Maple Grove’s Hohenstein captures state swim crown

Published March 6, 2014 at 1:29 pm

by Bob San

SUN PRESS Newspapers

All the expectations, all that pressure of being a favorite did not faze Maple Grove junior Brenner Hohenstein at last week’s state swim and dive meet at the U of M.
Maple Grove’s Brenner Hohenstein stands on the top podium after winning the state 100 breaststroke title. (Photo by Dave Dabson)

Hohenstein had the state’s fastest time in the 100 breaststroke entering state and had won every race in that event against Minnesota competition. In the biggest meet of his young career, Hohenstein came through with two great swims and won the state championship ion. He posted the best prelim time of 57.13 and then bettered that by winning the final with a time of 57.08, a new school record.

“I wasn’t really nervous going into the meet,” Hohenstein said. “There are always feelings associated with big events, those second guesses and doubting yourself. I’ve been to state for three years now, so I was learning from the past and just loving the atmosphere.”

According to Hohenstein, the championship race went off the way he had thought.

“I was out strong, but my front half isn’t as fast as some other guys,” he recalled. “I was behind a bit at the 50, but I have been told that I am great closing my races, so I wasn’t concerned. I came up during the third length, and on my last turn I looked over and didn’t see anyone.”
Crimson breaststroker Brenner Hohenstein pushes toward his state championship. (Photo by Dave Dabson)

Crimson coach Ron Jacobsen said that last great turn won the race for Hohenstein.

“The race was very exciting and close up until the last turn,” Jacobsen said. “Brenner had a great last turn and underwater pullout and raced to the finish.”

Hohenstein pushed hard in the final meters and when he touched, a lifelong dream was fulfilled.

“I looked up to see that I had gotten a best time and first place was great,” Hohenstein said. “The feeling of accomplishment and success washes over you once your dream becomes reality. While standing on the podium, I was telling myself that I had made it. I kept looking at my team and coaches, seeing their faces and the excitement in everyone.”

“Brenner’s victory in the 100 breast was great,” Jacobsen said. “He handled the pressure much better than his mom Mary.”

Hohenstein became the first Maple Grove individual boys’ state championship since Curt Carlson won the 200 and 100 freestyle back in 2008.

“Winning the 100 breaststroke was a lot of fun. I was definitely happy with that race,” he said.

Most kids would take some time off after winning a state championship. Not Hohenstein.

“I wish I could. I wanted to go to club and see if I can continue my successes, so next weekend I am going to be swimming in club state, then going to Speedos in Wisconsin the week later,” he said. “Then I have two to three weeks, and then I am starting spring session.”